Friday, September 12, 2008
Have You Tried Gin Cocktails With The New Gin?
Gin is definitely on the "comeback" trail when it comes to the palates of U.S. consumers. From 2005-2006, high end gin purchases increased a whopping 18%! Gin sales totaled nearly 870 million dollars in the U.S. Of course, Vodka sales totaled nearly 5 billion dollars, but still a hefty increase. Experts have noted a dramatic increase in the use of gin in martinis over vodka as compared to the 1990's.
So why this increase in popularity for a beverage that has been around for centuries? Probably because there are so many new gins in the marketplace.Although gin's primary flavoring agent is juniper, every distiller adds an individualized recipe of herbs and flavorings. Coriander, angelica root, cardamom, cassia bark, orris root, carraway, anise, fruit peels and others vary greatly in flavor and intensity. The trend now is moving away from Strictly juniper to others that showcase a wider variety of the flavor spectrum. Tanqueray No 10 was one of the first gins to bring citrus to the forefront, and it really was a smashing success! rangpur, a Tanqueray creation, has integrated limes from India to brighten it's flavor harmonies. It would seem that the citrus influence has had a particular appeal to the younger generations of gin drinkers
.Gin has truly become an international pheonomena, with popular entries from New Zealand, France, and Estonia. The flavoring agents hail from around the globe as well. Vanilla from Madagascar, nutmeg from Indonesia, cassia from Southeast asia etc. etc.Even dry London gins, long time the standard for the beverage, has received challenges from Dutch Gins, the authentic genevers. They are aged in wood and have a bold taste due to their malt base.
The newer genevers have adopted a cleaner, more modern style.Gin is a wonderfully versatile addition to any home bar's assortment of distilled spirits. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of a gin martini, or the wonderfully refreshing taste of a gin and tonic, it is no surprize that gin has attracted a whole new following of ardent admirers.
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Cocktail Party Planning Tips
Sooner or later, one of the great challenges that home bar owners face, is planning cocktail parties.As the number of guests increase, so do the challenges involved with planning the party. Consequently, this article will focus on planning a large cocktail party featuring between 40-50 invited guests. The "rule of thumb" is to plan on having each guest consuming approximately 4 beverages. I say "beverages" because they could be bottles of beer or non-alcoholic beverages in addition to wine and mixed drinks.
We'll start with our suggestions about types and quantities of liquor. Generally youll want more Vodka than Gin. We suggest 2 1.75 liters of Vodka and one of Gin. One liter of Scotch should do the trick and 2 bottles of Rum, preferably one dark and one light. Tequila has dramatically increased in popularity, so you'll want at least 2 liters. More, if you plan on featuring Margaritas. A bottle of Canadian Whiskey and Bourbon should do nicely. For the Martini drinkers, you'll need 2 bottles of Vermouth,(one sweet and one dry). It always handy to have a small bottle of Brandy or Cognac,( one pint)
You'll need to have plenty of Wine and beer. In many circles wine is far more popular than mixed drinks. Five bottles of red wine should be adequate. Merlots and Cabernets are popular choices. As far as white wine, 4 bottles should be enough. Most of the white wines should be Chardonnays and Pinot Grigios. You'll want 4 cases of assorted beers, (light beers, Pilsners, Lagers and Ales).
The non alcohol drinkers will want 6 liters of Coca-Cola and 3 liters of 7-Up. The Gin and Vodka drinkers will need 4 liters of tonic water and a csae of sparkling water. Don't forget a case of spring water as well. For fruit mixers, 6 small cans of grapefruit juice and the same amount of cranberry juice will be needed. Fresh orange juice is always a big hit, so keep 2 liters on hand. Finally, have enough coffee for 6 pots, and a quart of cream.
Needless to say, you'll need plenty of supplies in addition to the beverages. Make totally sure that you have an average of 1 lb of ice per guest. A dozen lemons and a dozen limes, along with bottles of cocktail olives and Mararchino cherries. Last, but not least, have cocktail onions,(one jar), plenty of stir sticks and straws. Oops! you'll need cocktail napkins aplenty!
Did we forget anything? I'm sure we did. It's obvious that you'll need plenty of appropriate glassware and shot glasses. And, for heaven's sake, don't leave out the wine opener! Hopefully these suggestions will make your cocktail party a big success. You'll be glad that you have a home bar with plenty of storage and ample serving area. Most of all, have fun, and remember that it's better to have too much of something than too little!
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AT LAST! Now you can have over 190 of the best tasting home made wine recipes available....GUARANTEED!
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We'll start with our suggestions about types and quantities of liquor. Generally youll want more Vodka than Gin. We suggest 2 1.75 liters of Vodka and one of Gin. One liter of Scotch should do the trick and 2 bottles of Rum, preferably one dark and one light. Tequila has dramatically increased in popularity, so you'll want at least 2 liters. More, if you plan on featuring Margaritas. A bottle of Canadian Whiskey and Bourbon should do nicely. For the Martini drinkers, you'll need 2 bottles of Vermouth,(one sweet and one dry). It always handy to have a small bottle of Brandy or Cognac,( one pint)
You'll need to have plenty of Wine and beer. In many circles wine is far more popular than mixed drinks. Five bottles of red wine should be adequate. Merlots and Cabernets are popular choices. As far as white wine, 4 bottles should be enough. Most of the white wines should be Chardonnays and Pinot Grigios. You'll want 4 cases of assorted beers, (light beers, Pilsners, Lagers and Ales).
The non alcohol drinkers will want 6 liters of Coca-Cola and 3 liters of 7-Up. The Gin and Vodka drinkers will need 4 liters of tonic water and a csae of sparkling water. Don't forget a case of spring water as well. For fruit mixers, 6 small cans of grapefruit juice and the same amount of cranberry juice will be needed. Fresh orange juice is always a big hit, so keep 2 liters on hand. Finally, have enough coffee for 6 pots, and a quart of cream.
Needless to say, you'll need plenty of supplies in addition to the beverages. Make totally sure that you have an average of 1 lb of ice per guest. A dozen lemons and a dozen limes, along with bottles of cocktail olives and Mararchino cherries. Last, but not least, have cocktail onions,(one jar), plenty of stir sticks and straws. Oops! you'll need cocktail napkins aplenty!
Did we forget anything? I'm sure we did. It's obvious that you'll need plenty of appropriate glassware and shot glasses. And, for heaven's sake, don't leave out the wine opener! Hopefully these suggestions will make your cocktail party a big success. You'll be glad that you have a home bar with plenty of storage and ample serving area. Most of all, have fun, and remember that it's better to have too much of something than too little!
Take Advantage Of My FREE report: "Living It up On A Budget- 23 Wines That Deliver OutstandingQuality For 10.00 or less!" GO HERE NOW: http://prime-time-wines.com
AT LAST! Now you can have over 190 of the best tasting home made wine recipes available....GUARANTEED!
Grab your recipes! Click HERE
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
How To Mix The Perfect Cocktail
While making a cocktail isn't "rocket science," one must follow some basic principles to be successful. The keys to successful "mixology"are precision, quality, and attention to detail. First and foremost, it is essential to use premium ingredients, especially the liquors.And every ingredient is important when trying to make the perfect mixed drink. Ice, for example is an important ingredient. Use freshly frozen ice, as it won't have "freezer burn" that can spoil the flavor of a mixed drink.
If you are going to mix a drink that requires a blender, start with crushed ice. For drinks that call for ice cubes, make sure they are small and firm. Ice cubes must melt slowly or they will spoil the flavor of the drink by diluting it too quickly. Most of your fruity, tropical drinks taste much better with crushed ice.
When actually mixing the cocktail, there are several key tips to keep in mind. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Depending on the ingredients in your drink, it may be more effective to shake or stir the drink. A "Black Russian,"for example, must be stirred completely because of the heavy cream and thick Kahlua. A gin and tonic doesn't require as thorough of a mixing because it is much lighter.Make sure that after blending or shaking a drink, you remove the contents immediately into the appropriate glass. Leaving the mixture in the blender or shaker too long will dilute the drink and rob it of it's flavor.
Should your drink call for a carbonated mixer, such as Champagne or club soda, it is essential to add them last. Whatever you do, don't shake a drink with carbonation. A light stirring to mix the ingredients is your best bet.Your garnishes made from fruit should be fresh fruit whenever possible. Likewise the juices you use in your cocktails. It's very important that you follow each drink recipe exactly, and make your measurements accurate. "Guesswork" has spoiled many a mixed drink!!
Please don't add extra alcohol to a mixed drink,(no matter how tempted you might be), as it often spoils the flavorFinally, keep proper glassware behind your home bar. While glassware won't affect the taste of your mixed drinks, your guests will always perceive your drinks as being acceptable when served in appropriate glassware.
Hopefully these tips will help you create a mixed drink that will draw rave reviews from your guests. Remember, don't "cut corners",take your time, purchase premium ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to mixing the perfect cocktail!
Take Advantage Of My FREE report: "Living It up On A Budget- 23 Wines That Deliver OutstandingQuality For 10.00 or less!" GO HERE NOW: http://prime-time-wines.com
AT LAST! Now you can have over 190 of the best tasting home made wine recipes available....GUARANTEED!
Grab your recipes! Click HERE
If you are going to mix a drink that requires a blender, start with crushed ice. For drinks that call for ice cubes, make sure they are small and firm. Ice cubes must melt slowly or they will spoil the flavor of the drink by diluting it too quickly. Most of your fruity, tropical drinks taste much better with crushed ice.
When actually mixing the cocktail, there are several key tips to keep in mind. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Depending on the ingredients in your drink, it may be more effective to shake or stir the drink. A "Black Russian,"for example, must be stirred completely because of the heavy cream and thick Kahlua. A gin and tonic doesn't require as thorough of a mixing because it is much lighter.Make sure that after blending or shaking a drink, you remove the contents immediately into the appropriate glass. Leaving the mixture in the blender or shaker too long will dilute the drink and rob it of it's flavor.
Should your drink call for a carbonated mixer, such as Champagne or club soda, it is essential to add them last. Whatever you do, don't shake a drink with carbonation. A light stirring to mix the ingredients is your best bet.Your garnishes made from fruit should be fresh fruit whenever possible. Likewise the juices you use in your cocktails. It's very important that you follow each drink recipe exactly, and make your measurements accurate. "Guesswork" has spoiled many a mixed drink!!
Please don't add extra alcohol to a mixed drink,(no matter how tempted you might be), as it often spoils the flavorFinally, keep proper glassware behind your home bar. While glassware won't affect the taste of your mixed drinks, your guests will always perceive your drinks as being acceptable when served in appropriate glassware.
Hopefully these tips will help you create a mixed drink that will draw rave reviews from your guests. Remember, don't "cut corners",take your time, purchase premium ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to mixing the perfect cocktail!
Take Advantage Of My FREE report: "Living It up On A Budget- 23 Wines That Deliver OutstandingQuality For 10.00 or less!" GO HERE NOW: http://prime-time-wines.com
AT LAST! Now you can have over 190 of the best tasting home made wine recipes available....GUARANTEED!
Grab your recipes! Click HERE
Monday, September 8, 2008
How To Mix A Heavenly Martini
Without a doubt, a true barometer of a bartender's skills and a person's taste is making a great Martini! Martinis have really gained immense popularity over the last decade. Everyone remembers that James Bond loved his martinis, of course they had to be "shaken, not stirred."Making a classic dry martini is almost like creating a very simple, yet very pure piece of art.
So, here it is, a step by step recipe for creating the perfect dry martini.
You're going to need 11/2oz of dry gin. Don't skimp on the quality, go for Beefeaters or Tanqueray. Also, 1/2 oz of extra dry vermouth, a toothpick, pimento stuffed olives, ice from purified water, a cocktail shaker, and a martini glass.Go ahead and fill the martini glass with ice and water, this will chill the glass to perfection while you mix the drink. Pour the gin over ice in your cocktail shaker. Allow it to set for a moment while you measure your vermouth.Go ahead and add the vermouth to your shaker along with a VERY tiny splash of olive juice. Cap off your shaker and shake very vigorously. The key is to shake it so long that your hands get super cold.Finally, empty all the water from your martini glass, and wipe away all moisture droplets.Add two olives skewered on a toothpick, and pour the mixed drink into a glass.
Sip it delicately and enjoy!By the way,Shaking does have an advantage over stirring. Shaking actually "bruises" the gin and causes it to infuse with the vermouth. Stirring, while effective, allows the spirits to separate more easily in the glass.Use Jalapeno stuffed olives instead of pimento and call it a "Martinez" instead. It adds spice to the drink on so many different levels.
By the way, be sure to use an authentic martini glass. A traditional glass with a stem will cause your martini to warm too quickly.So, there you have it, the perfect martini. Once you've enjoyed a martini that doesn't short-cut the details, it's hard to drink one that is hastily prepared. No excuses now that you've tasted the difference!
Take Advantage Of My FREE report: "Living It up On A Budget- 23 Wines That Deliver OutstandingQuality For 10.00 or less!" GO HERE NOW: http://prime-time-wines.com
AT LAST! Now you can have over 190 of the best tasting home made wine recipes available....GUARANTEED!
Grab your recipes! Click HERE
So, here it is, a step by step recipe for creating the perfect dry martini.
You're going to need 11/2oz of dry gin. Don't skimp on the quality, go for Beefeaters or Tanqueray. Also, 1/2 oz of extra dry vermouth, a toothpick, pimento stuffed olives, ice from purified water, a cocktail shaker, and a martini glass.Go ahead and fill the martini glass with ice and water, this will chill the glass to perfection while you mix the drink. Pour the gin over ice in your cocktail shaker. Allow it to set for a moment while you measure your vermouth.Go ahead and add the vermouth to your shaker along with a VERY tiny splash of olive juice. Cap off your shaker and shake very vigorously. The key is to shake it so long that your hands get super cold.Finally, empty all the water from your martini glass, and wipe away all moisture droplets.Add two olives skewered on a toothpick, and pour the mixed drink into a glass.
Sip it delicately and enjoy!By the way,Shaking does have an advantage over stirring. Shaking actually "bruises" the gin and causes it to infuse with the vermouth. Stirring, while effective, allows the spirits to separate more easily in the glass.Use Jalapeno stuffed olives instead of pimento and call it a "Martinez" instead. It adds spice to the drink on so many different levels.
By the way, be sure to use an authentic martini glass. A traditional glass with a stem will cause your martini to warm too quickly.So, there you have it, the perfect martini. Once you've enjoyed a martini that doesn't short-cut the details, it's hard to drink one that is hastily prepared. No excuses now that you've tasted the difference!
Take Advantage Of My FREE report: "Living It up On A Budget- 23 Wines That Deliver OutstandingQuality For 10.00 or less!" GO HERE NOW: http://prime-time-wines.com
AT LAST! Now you can have over 190 of the best tasting home made wine recipes available....GUARANTEED!
Grab your recipes! Click HERE
Sunday, September 7, 2008
How To Stock A Home Bar
Without a doubt, people are back to enjoying cocktails! After several years of taking a "backseat" to beer and wine,it is apparent that the trend is moving towrd mixed alcoholic drinks. Because of this trend, it is now more important than ever for home bar owners to keep a well stocked bar. This article will focus on the essentials of stocking your home bar.
We'll start with some common sense selections. You'll want 750 ml bottles of rum,bourbon,gin,vodka, a Canadian blended whiskey, scotch, and tequila. Unless you frequently entertain serious martini drinkers, the gin and vodka don't have to be "top-shelf" brands. Ditto for the bourbon and rum. However, you might want to consider a 100% agave tequila and a single malt scotch, as these types are obviously better tasting. For your Canadian blended whiskey, add one that is 12 years old for guests that like their whiskey on the rocks.
With regard to other alcohols, you'll want both a sweet and dry vermouth. Brandy and cognac are important, too. However, watch yourself when purchasing cognac and brandy. You can spend a fortune and you don't have to. Go for the lower end brands, unless expensive brands are your personal preference.
Definitely keep 750 ml bottles of a red wine and a white wine. Good general choices would be a Cabernet for the red, and a Chardonnay for the white.Beware when selecting liqueurs, as they are pricey. Try to select the liqueurs that accompany popular drinks. For example, Triple Sec for Margaritas, Kahlua for Black Russians, Creme De Cacao for Brandy Alexanders, Blue Curacao for almost any blue drink etc. etc.Non alcoholic beverages are also a must. These would include drinks such as Coke and 7-up in 12 oz cans.
Mixers such as tonic water and club soda in individual serving containers should be added. Don't forget the fruit juices! Large 64 oz containers of orange, cranberry and grapefruit should do the trick. Finally, bottled waters and Bloody Mary Mix should round things off.Your bar wouldn't be well stocked without garnishes and other additives. Purchase maraschino cherries, cocktail olives, and onions, all in 10 oz jars. Go ahead and get some Angostura Bitters(4 oz jar), Rose's Lime Juice(12 oz), coarse salt, and superfine sugar.
Wow! I think you're done for the present. You can add miscellaneous items as needed. This basic list should put you in a great light the next time you entertain, Oh yeah, I almost forgot, ALWAYS drink sensibly.
Take Advantage Of My FREE report: "Living It up On A Budget- 23 Wines That Deliver Outstanding Quality For 10.00 or less!"
We'll start with some common sense selections. You'll want 750 ml bottles of rum,bourbon,gin,vodka, a Canadian blended whiskey, scotch, and tequila. Unless you frequently entertain serious martini drinkers, the gin and vodka don't have to be "top-shelf" brands. Ditto for the bourbon and rum. However, you might want to consider a 100% agave tequila and a single malt scotch, as these types are obviously better tasting. For your Canadian blended whiskey, add one that is 12 years old for guests that like their whiskey on the rocks.
With regard to other alcohols, you'll want both a sweet and dry vermouth. Brandy and cognac are important, too. However, watch yourself when purchasing cognac and brandy. You can spend a fortune and you don't have to. Go for the lower end brands, unless expensive brands are your personal preference.
Definitely keep 750 ml bottles of a red wine and a white wine. Good general choices would be a Cabernet for the red, and a Chardonnay for the white.Beware when selecting liqueurs, as they are pricey. Try to select the liqueurs that accompany popular drinks. For example, Triple Sec for Margaritas, Kahlua for Black Russians, Creme De Cacao for Brandy Alexanders, Blue Curacao for almost any blue drink etc. etc.Non alcoholic beverages are also a must. These would include drinks such as Coke and 7-up in 12 oz cans.
Mixers such as tonic water and club soda in individual serving containers should be added. Don't forget the fruit juices! Large 64 oz containers of orange, cranberry and grapefruit should do the trick. Finally, bottled waters and Bloody Mary Mix should round things off.Your bar wouldn't be well stocked without garnishes and other additives. Purchase maraschino cherries, cocktail olives, and onions, all in 10 oz jars. Go ahead and get some Angostura Bitters(4 oz jar), Rose's Lime Juice(12 oz), coarse salt, and superfine sugar.
Wow! I think you're done for the present. You can add miscellaneous items as needed. This basic list should put you in a great light the next time you entertain, Oh yeah, I almost forgot, ALWAYS drink sensibly.
Take Advantage Of My FREE report: "Living It up On A Budget- 23 Wines That Deliver Outstanding Quality For 10.00 or less!"
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